Overview
For most New Zealanders, the past few days have been unprecedented: not since 1952 has the country experienced the death of its official head of state. Whether your main relationship to Queen Elizabeth II is watching The Crown or seeing her face on coins and $20 notes — and whether you follow the royal family's move through the media or not at all — the monarch's passing has unsurprisingly monopolised the news. It's also now the reason for a new one-off public holiday.
Prime Minister Jacinda Arden has announced today, Monday, September 12, that Kiwis will get a day off to commemorate the Queen. Mark Monday, September 26, 2022 in your diary — that's being designated as the country's National Day of Mourning.
Mark de Jong, Unsplash
"As New Zealand's Queen and much loved Sovereign for over 70 years, it is appropriate that we mark her life of dedicated public service with a State Memorial Service and a one-off public holiday," Ardern said in a press conference following a Cabinet meeting this afternoon.
"I know many people will want the opportunity to pay their respects and the public holiday offers communities around the country the ability to come together and pay tribute at local events also.
"The decision to hold a one-off Public Holiday in the Queen's honour is also in line with similar holidays in the UK and Australia, and is in keeping with what is a historic event."
The public holiday will be named Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day, and will a come a week after the Queen's funeral, which will be live-streamed around the globe on Monday, September 19, NZT.
Monday, September 26, 2022 is now a public holiday in New Zealand, for a National Day of Mourning for the Queen.
Top image: Elizabeth: A Portrait in Part(s).